Genetically Modified Food

Sir, - With reference to Conor O'Rourke's letter (June 26th), I agree that "organic" may be a less than satisfactory name for…

Sir, - With reference to Conor O'Rourke's letter (June 26th), I agree that "organic" may be a less than satisfactory name for "foods which are grown in accordance with the regulations of a government-licensed scheme which provides for animal welfare without routine drug usage, the minimal use of chemicals in the growing of crops and the fostering of soil fertility". However, in everyday life "organic" is easier to use and most people have a fair idea what it means.

Mr O'Rourke's letter contains certain inaccuracies. Rock phosphate is a permitted fertiliser in an organic system (it is a naturally-occurring, slow-release mineral). Burgundy and Bordeaux mixtures are allowed with permission for potato growing (these are the sprays your grandfather may have used). Systemic sprays and quick-release fertilisers are not allowed. Man may have been "genetically modifying" crops for years, by selective breeding. He has never, until the current greed-driven madness occurred, bred crops using animal genes, just as he never fed bone meal to cows nor fish meal to sheep.

It can be fairly certain that in Park Lane and environs, from where Mr O'Rourke writes, the vegetables served at dinner parties will, if at all, possible, be "organic". Taste and quality will tell, even if those sitting at the dinner parties are quite happy to accept their dividend vouchers and realise capital gains on their chemical and food-technology shares. - Yours, etc., Rose Mary Logue,

Woodley Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14.